In 2005 Okeechobee Main Street decided to take a
 important step of developing more programs and
activities to enhance the Arts and Culture of Okeechobee.
The Okeechobee Main Street Arts and Culture committee
was formed and their overall objectives were set up.

In May of 2018, the Board of Okeechobee County
Commissioners, designated Okeechobee Main Street as a
Local Art Agency through a resolution as out-lined
by the State of Florida statutes 265.32.

Click here for more information.

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What is Florida Main Street?

The Florida Main Street Program has helped revitalize the downtown are as of many Florida towns.

It is a technical assistance program administered by the Bureau of
Historic Preservation, Division of Historical Resources and  Florida Department of State.

As shopping malls and other big box retailers moved out to the suburbs, many  Florida downtown neighborhoods languished and then collapsed. In the 1980s, the Main Street Program was develope by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

What We Do

In the past, the word ìdowntownî brought to mind an image of a bustling center of commerce and activity. Too often today, the images are of vacant, deteriorating buildings. Now communities have discovered that with the help from Florida Main Street, Downtown can thrive again.

Why Main Street Matters?

Builds a positive image for the community

Creates job opportunities
Saves tax dollars
Preserves the communityís historic resources
Helps to control sprawl

Florida Main Street is incremental. Using the Main Street Four Point Approach, community leaders work together to bring about many small but positive improvements downtown. Together, these improvements revitalize the downtown.

Organization. Working with public and private sector community leaders to develop consensus and coordinate resources to revitalize downtown.

Promotion. Creating and marketing a positive image of downtown through special events, retail sales, effective advertising, and public relations.

Design Encouraging quality building rehabilitation, sign-age, public improvements, and window displays to improve the appearance of downtown.

Economic Vitality. Improving the economic base of downtown by strengthening existing businesses, recruiting new businesses, and filling second floor vacancies.

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